Company will demonstrate pioneering concept using new and established products

ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY 11, 2009 ─ Clear-Com® Communication Systems, a Vitec Group brand, will unveil at NAB 2009 the industry’s first hybrid Time-Divisional Multiplexing (TDM) intercom/IP server network. The new solution combines the reliability of traditional TDM-based architecture with the flexibility and affordability of the company’s groundbreaking I.V.Core technology. Designed to extend the reach of intercom systems to more users, the hybrid network will be demonstrated live with several new Clear-Com products.

At the heart of the network is Eclipse Version 5.1, which now includes IVC-32, a 32-channel IP matrix card offering more connections at a better value than any other card of its type on the market. Via the IVC-32, the Eclipse Median and Omega frames now link directly to users of Clear-Com’s IP-enabled V-Series control panels and Clear-Com Concert™ 2.0. This type of intercom connectivity not only expands the intercom footprint in a broadcast facility, but can also be implemented on an existing IT network infrastructure ─ ideal for budget-conscious broadcasters.

The new Clear-Com Concert 2.0 software-based intercom system connects to the Eclipse matrix system via the IVC-32 high-density card, establishing a single communication environment for traditional and IP intercom users. The innovative and customizable user interface is now available in a “soft-panel” that emulates a traditional intercom station. When used as a stand-alone intercom system, the new soft-panel offers standard intercom functionalities such as push-to-talk, monitor and latch-to-talk keys for communication with other Concert users, as well as connection to predefined conferences.

The new IP-enabled V-Series panels provide an alternative mode of connecting the Eclipse V-Series user control panels to the Eclipse matrix frame over existing WAN or LAN Ethernet cabling infrastructure. To link with Eclipse matrix, all that is needed is an Ethernet switch or router linked to the IT network, making it very economical to deliver intercom access into local or remote locations.

The enhanced Eclipse Version 5.1 also introduces the new Logic Maestro™ and Production Maestro™ modules within the Eclipse Configuration Software (ECS). With Logic Maestro, users of ECS now access a powerful graphical object-oriented tool, ideal for rapid programming customization and simulation. Featuring simplified drag-and-drop configuration setups to program intercom control functions, Logic Maestro makes it easy to add combinational logic between general purpose inputs and crosspoints, along with general purpose outputs, such as relays.

Production Maestro, an add-on module for the ECS, offers a flexible and fast conference routing tool that can pre-set and manage live external lines in and out of a master control room to remote users’ panels and their keys. It enables users to route 4-wire lines to panel users via conferences.

At NAB 2009, Clear-Com will showcase all these products as working parts of the hybrid TDM/IP network, giving broadcasters a glimpse into its visionary concept for the next step in intercom communications.

“Clear-Com envisions the future of intercoms as one of ubiquitous, affordable communication, accessible anytime and anywhere, whether within the broadcast facility or from remote locations,” says Matt Danilowicz, Managing Director, Clear-Com Communication Systems. “The Hybrid Network, with the inherent strengths of TDM and the flexibility afforded by I.V.Core, is truly the best of both worlds.”

I.V.Core is Clear-Com’s revolutionary set of building blocks and engines enabling real-time, dynamic and non-blocking intercom capabilities over a standard IP network, making new and traditional intercom systems IP-compatible. I.V.Core’s intelligent decision engine routes only the audio actually needed, rather than all IP streams, optimizing the use of bandwidth within a modern IP network. The technology allows wideband codecs to be used where they would previously be limited by bandwidth constraints, thereby enabling a given Internet connection to support much higher quality audio. With the addition of noise reduction and proprietary error-recovery algorithms, the I.V.Core achieves break-through audio quality over standard IP networks, with all the flexibility inherent to IP.

I.V.Core is capable of handling several voice communications simultaneously and can scale much more effectively to higher numbers of users while tolerating and optimizing poorer quality or traffic-laden IP networks.

ABOUT CLEAR-COM

Clear-Com®, a brand of the Vitec Group plc, is the global leader of professional communication solutions for broadcast, live performance, military, government and commercial markets. For more than 40 years, Clear-Com’s signature products such as Encore Party-line, Eclipse Digital Matrix, CellCom®/FreeSpeak® Wireless and IP Communications systems have revolutionized broadcast stations, production trucks, houses of worship and performance venues. Recognizing Clear-Com for its history of intercom innovation, production teams around the world achieve ubiquitous communication with products to promote easy interoperability and global connectivity. More information can be found at www.clearcom.com.

ABOUT THE VITEC GROUP

The Vitec Group plc is acknowledged as a global leader in the supply of equipment and services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries and has established a reputation for technical excellence and superior engineering along with an astute business strategy which has seen it grow by acquisition. Innovation is a cornerstone of the Group’s activities and the organization is committed to a policy of continuous product development. With revenues (2007) of £274m and over 2,200 employees world-wide, its products are distributed in almost 100 countries, through a strong, fully-resourced distribution network or direct to the end user or corporate customer. More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com.